A Christian County high school student was among those announced by Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs as the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest, which encourages young photographers to express their views on agriculture in the state. Students who clinched the top three positions in their age groups will receive Bright Start scholarships.
Frerichs expressed his appreciation for the participants and their creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture. He congratulated the winners, highlighting the significance of the Bright Start scholarships for their post-secondary education.
The winners' photos from each age group will be displayed at the Illinois State Fair in the Treasurer's Tent and can also be viewed on the State Treasurer's Office website. The award ceremony will take place on August 11 at the fairgrounds and will be open to the public.
The Cream of the Crop Photo Contest is part of the Illinois State Treasurer's Ag Invest program, which marks its 40th anniversary this year. The program supports farmers and agri-businesses with low-interest loans, contributing to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the state.
Winners:
Age 8-10 Category:
First Place: Bennett Schumacher, At Sunset, Jacksonville, IL (Morgan County)
Second Place: Bennett Schumacher, Working Hard, Jacksonville, IL (Morgan County)
Third Place: Leah Johnson, Rose Lettuce, Pleasant Plains, IL (Sangamon County)
Age 11-14 Category:
First Place: Carolyn Lee, American Cattle, Wellington, IL (Iroquois County)
Second Place: Anna Parr, Moo, Mason City, IL (Mason County)
Third Place: Anna Parr, Mama and Her Babies, Mason City, IL (Mason County)
Age 15-18 Category:
First Place: Macy McLaughlin, Evening Elegance, Mason City, IL (Mason County)
Second Place: Alec Shields, Beneath the Bluffs, Carbondale, IL (Jackson County)
Second Place: Sophie Robinson (right), Crop Sprayer, Taylorville, IL (Christian County)
Third Place: Hallie Smith, Mary the Little Lamb, Taylorville, IL (Christian County)
